Emberfall Leaf Catch-All Bowl Free Pattern – A Knitted Autumn Centerpiece

Bring the cozy warmth of a crackling fire to your table with this sculptural knitted bowl, shaped like a giant falling leaf. Its rich gradient of burnt orange, amber, and deep rust makes it a stunning, functional piece of yarn art. Perfect for holding keys, jewelry, or small trinkets, this bowl is as practical as it is beautiful—a rustic, handcrafted centerpiece that evokes the forest floor in autumn.

This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple knit and purl stitches, basic increases (M1L, M1R), and decreases (k2tog, ssk). The bowl is knitted flat in two mirrored leaf halves, then seamed together and shaped with a gentle curve. The result is a soft, pliable structure with a distinct central vein and a naturally curling tip.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at craft stores or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors:
  • Color A (burnt orange) – approximately 50g
  • Color B (amber/gold) – approximately 50g
  • Color C (deep rust) – approximately 50g
  Total yarn needed: approximately 150g.
• Knitting Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles, or size needed to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends.
• Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical, but it will affect the final size of your bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This bowl is knitted flat in two mirrored leaf halves, then seamed together and shaped with a gentle curve. The leaf is worked from the stem outward, with increases to create the broad leaf shape. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, functional bowl in no time.

Leaf Half (Make 2)

You will knit two identical leaf halves. These will be seamed together later to form the bowl.

Stem

1. Cast on: With Color A, cast on 4 stitches.
2. Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 2 (RS): Knit all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until the stem measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge. End with a WS row (a purl row).

Leaf Body (Central Vein)

Now you will begin increasing to form the central vein of the leaf. The increases are worked on every right-side row, creating a gentle V-shape.

1. Next Row (RS): K1, M1L (make one left), knit to the last stitch, M1R (make one right), K1. (You now have 6 stitches.)
2. Next Row (WS): Purl all stitches.
3. Repeat these two rows until you have 30 stitches on the needle. This forms the central vein of the leaf. End with a WS row.

Shape the Leaf Edges (Increase for Width)

Now you will continue increasing on every RS row to widen the leaf. Follow the row-by-row instructions below precisely.

1. Row 1 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. (32 stitches)
2. Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
3. Row 3 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. (34 stitches)
4. Row 4 (WS): Purl all.
5. Row 5 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. (36 stitches)
6. Row 6 (WS): Purl all.
7. Row 7 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. (38 stitches)
8. Row 8 (WS): Purl all.
9. Row 9 (RS): K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1. (40 stitches)
10. Row 10 (WS): Purl all.

Switch to Color B for the next section.

11. Continue increasing every RS row (K1, M1L, knit to last stitch, M1R, K1) until you have 50 stitches on the needle. Work the last 10 increases in Color B. End with a WS row.

Shape the Leaf Tip (Decrease for Point)

Now you will switch to Color C and begin decreasing to create the pointed tip of the leaf.

1. Switch to Color C.
2. Row 1 (RS): K1, k2tog (knit two together), knit to the last 3 stitches, ssk (slip, slip, knit), K1. (48 stitches)
3. Row 2 (WS): Purl all.
4. Repeat Rows 1-2 until 10 stitches remain. End with a WS row.

Now continue decreasing on every RS row as follows:

1. Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1. (8 stitches)
2. Next Row (WS): Purl all.
3. Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1. (6 stitches)
4. Next Row (WS): Purl all.
5. Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 stitches, ssk, K1. (4 stitches)
6. Next Row (WS): Purl all.
7. Next Row (RS): K1, k2tog, ssk, K1. (2 stitches)
8. Next Row (WS): Purl 2 together. (1 stitch)
9. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the remaining loop to secure. Weave in the end.

Finishing

Now that both leaf halves are complete, it's time to seam them together and shape the bowl.

Seam the Two Halves

1. Place the two leaf halves with right sides together, matching the stem and leaf edges.
2. Using a tapestry needle and Color C yarn, whip stitch along the outer edge, leaving the stem end open. This creates a pocket.
3. Turn the piece right side out. The seam will be on the inside or outside, depending on your preference.

Shape the Bowl

1. To create the bowl shape, gently curve the leaf. With the right side facing you, fold the leaf in half lengthwise along the central vein. The seam will be on the outside edge.
2. Using a tapestry needle and Color C yarn, stitch the two sides of the leaf together along the bottom edge (from the stem to about 2 inches from the tip) to form a shallow bowl. The tip will curl upward naturally.
3. Weave in all ends securely.
4. Block lightly with steam to set the shape. While the bowl is still warm, cup it in your hands to mold the curve. Allow it to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• M1L (Make One Left): Insert the left needle from front to back under the horizontal strand between stitches, then knit through the back loop. This creates a left-leaning increase.
• M1R (Make One Right): Insert the left needle from back to front under the horizontal strand between stitches, then knit through the front loop. This creates a right-leaning increase.
• k2tog (Knit Two Together): Insert the right needle into two stitches as if to knit, then knit them together. This creates a right-leaning decrease.
• ssk (Slip, Slip, Knit): Slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, to the right needle. Insert the left needle into the front of both slipped stitches and knit them together. This creates a left-leaning decrease.
• Gauge: While gauge isn't critical, a tighter gauge will result in a sturdier bowl. If your bowl feels too floppy, try using a smaller needle size.

Your Emberfall Leaf Catch-All Bowl is now complete! Place it on your entryway table, coffee table, or mantel to hold keys, jewelry, or other small treasures. The rich autumn colors and sculptural shape will bring warmth and charm to any room. Happy knitting!